20 Signs of a Video Gaming Addiction
It’s a universal phenomenon. Xbox and PS5 gaming is enjoyed by video gamers all over the world whether they be young or old and male or female. It’s hard to contest the euphoria and excitement that is created by playing video games like Super Mario, League of Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and Grand Theft Auto V.
For all of the joy that video games have brought to the last few generations, there is a dark side to the video gaming phenomenon. It’s called “video gaming addiction.” Like anything else that someone might do to excess, falling too deep into the world of video gaming can lead to a destructive addiction.
Whether your concerns are directed at your kids, a friend, or even yourself, it might help you if you were able to recognize the signs of video gaming addiction. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the signs that are common among people who are suffering from video gaming addiction.
What is Video Gaming Addiction?
Video game addiction or internet video gaming disorder is characterized by the inability of a video gamer to control their gaming habit. Oftentimes, this loss of control leads to negative consequences that can adversely impact their life.
As far as which groups get victimized by this addictive behavior, video gaming disorder is an equal opportunity mental/emotional disorder. It affects males, females, kids, teens, and adults of all races, religions, and economic status.
It’s noteworthy and surprising that video gaming disorder is more common among adult males than any other group. Some experts put the percentage of the world’s population that is adversely affected by this disorder at close to 10%. That’s 10x greater than iGaming addiction where promotions like those found on cryptocasinocodes.com provide monetary incentives.
The Signs/Symptoms of Video Gaming Disorder
There is sufficient evidence to suggest that the onset of video gaming addiction is indicated by negative changes in behavior. As the addiction worsens, so do the behaviors and the consequences of those behaviors.
As part of the discussion related to the 20 key signs/symptoms of this disorder, it would seem prudent to break them up into the physical, emotional, and behavioral signs.
Physical Symptoms of Video Game Addiction:
- Unkempt personal appearance – lack of hygiene
- Regular issues with headaches caused by eye strain
- Diminishing vision
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome that is caused by using keyboards, controllers, and mouse devices
- Dietary problems
- Spinal pain and discomfort from sitting and hunching
- Sleep issues because of exposure to blue light rays
Emotional Symptoms of Video Game Addiction:
- Sadness, anxiety, or irritability when denied access to video games
- Isolating oneself to focus on video gaming
- Depression and stress brought on by constant losses
- Anger when accused of overuse of Xbox, PS5, or internet gaming sites
- Using video gaming to escape worries, stress, and negative feelings
Behavioral Symptoms of Video Game Addiction
- Obsession with getting money to buy video games or video gaming supplies
- Difficulty in personal relationships with family, friends, and co-workers
- Inability to handle personal responsibilities like cleaning the house or paying bills
- Lying to family and friends about the time spent gaming
- Financial problems due to overspending on video gaming activities
- Functional issues at work or school due to preoccupation with gaming
- Increasing playing time to get needed satisfaction from gaming
- Replacing hobbies and other fun activities for video gaming
Note: Anyone who shows at least 5 of these signs should be considered in the video gaming disorder danger zone.
The Root Causes of Video Gaming Disorder
The science behind the diagnosis of video gaming disorder is still new. The fact is the root causes of this disorder seem to be two-fold. First, there seem to be underlying mental and emotional problems that make certain individuals vulnerable to this disorder. Second, playing video games seemingly triggers the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that tickles the pleasure centers of the brain.
How to Treat Video Gaming Disorder
Assuming that an individual’s video gaming disorder is being driven by mental or emotional problems, the best treatment option would likely be therapy.
For such disorders, the best therapeutic options tend to be the ones that focus on behavioral modification. Some of the most helpful behavioral modification modalities would be:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – addressing negative thoughts
- Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – addressing negative feelings
- Group Therapy – group-help and support
Conclusion: Hopefully, you find this information to be helpful. If you or someone you know seems to be caught in video gaming disorder, you can take solace in knowing help is readily available.
